Loading system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a loading system for transferring at least one medium between a first installation and a floating vessel, comprising an anchoring device which can be fixed relative to a seabed, at least one elongated first transfer element, which is normally vertically oriented in an installed state, at least one flexible second transfer element arranged in the extension of the first transfer element by a swivel arrangement which is mounted between the first and second transfer element. The swivel arrangement is rotatable at least about a longitudinal axis of the first transfer element. A free end of the second transfer element, in an installed state when the system is not being used, is located freely suspended in the body of water. The invention also relates to a retrieval system and method.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A loading system for transferring at least one medium between a first installation and a floating vessel, comprising an anchoring device which can be fixed relative to a seabed, at least one elongated first transfer element, normally vertically orientated in an installed state and connected to the anchoring device, comprising devices for connection to the first installation, a buoyancy system for ensuring that the first transfer element is under tension in an installed state, at least one flexible second transfer element arranged in the extension of the first transfer element, wherein a swivel arrangement is mounted between the first and second transfer element, which swivel arrangement comprises a first swivel unit with an axis of rotation substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated first transfer element, and a second swivel unit with a second axis of rotation oriented substantially perpendicularly relative to the first axis of rotation, where a free end of the second transfer element comprises devices for connection to the floating vessel and in an installed state when the system is not being used are located freely suspended in the body of water and has an orientation substantially parallel to the first transfer element. 
     
     
       2. A loading system according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the buoyancy system comprises a buoyancy element at an end of the first transfer element away from the anchoring device and/or buoyancy devices along the first transfer element. 
 
     
     
       3. A loading system according to  claim 2 ,
 wherein the buoyancy element forms a base for the swivel arrangement. 
 
     
     
       4. A loading system according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the first transfer element includes shock-protection devices. 
 
     
     
       5. A loading system according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the first transfer element further comprises a flexible coupling close to the anchoring device, which coupling in an installed state of the system permits angular deviation between a longitudinal axis of the first transfer element and a vertical axis. 
 
     
     
       6. A loading system according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein it comprises a retrieval arrangement. 
 
     
     
       7. A loading system according to  claim 6 ,
 wherein the retrieval arrangement comprises a recovery line connected to the free end of the second transfer element, which recovery line extends from the free end down to a portion of the recovery line close to or located on the seabed, whereupon it extends up to a marker buoy at the surface. 
 
     
     
       8. A loading system according to  claim 7 , wherein the portion of the recovery line is a weighted portion of the line with greater deadweight than the rest of the line, wherein the weight may be included in the line, provided by an external weight element, or woven into the line. 
     
     
       9. A retrieval arrangement for a flexible transfer element in a transfer system between a first installation and a vessel, which transfer element in an installed state is arranged freely suspended in a body of water with a substantially vertical orientation and with a free end comprising connecting devices for connection to the vessel at a distance from a seabed, wherein the retrieval arrangement comprises a guide element which is mounted slidably along the transfer element, a recovery line connected to the guide element and the transfer element at one end, and at least one marker buoy connected to the recovery line at a second end thereof, and wherein the guide element comprises buoyancy devices, and the arrangement further comprises a guide line, where the recovery lines are secured to the free end of the transfer element, the guide line is secured to the transfer element near the free end, to the recovery line at a distance from an attachment point between the recovery line and the free end of the transfer element and where the guide element is further mounted slidably along the guide line between its two attachment points. 
     
     
       10. A retrieval arrangement for a flexible transfer element in a transfer system between a first installation and a vessel, which transfer element in an installed state is arranged freely suspended in a body of water with a substantially vertical orientation and with a free end comprising connecting devices for connection to the vessel at a distance from a seabed, wherein the retrieval arrangement comprises a guide element which is mounted slidably along the transfer element, a recovery line connected to the guide element and the transfer element at one end, and at least one marker buoy connected to the recovery line at a second end thereof, and wherein the guide element comprises weight elements and the recovery line is secured to the guide element, where the arrangement further comprises a releasable holding device for securing the guide element when the system if not in use, mounted at a distance from the free end of the transfer element. 
     
     
       11. A method for connecting a loading system according to  claim 1  with a retrieval system,
 wherein the vessel arrives at the loading system location and picks up a marker buoy, whereupon the vessel reverses away from the loading system and begins to pull in a recovery line which is attached to the marker buoy, whereupon the free end of the flexible transfer element is pulled towards the vessel and connected thereto.